Kansas City Royals: Who Would Royals Protect in Expansion Draft
![May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy (41) talks with catcher Salvador Perez (left) during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy (41) talks with catcher Salvador Perez (left) during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a89a0c15d1cd469910f92138f039b202e59264ee91a2f59f5855eb1304b4f3d0.jpg)
RAUL MONDESI JR.
To be honest, I’m still not sure how I feel about Raul Mondesi Jr. The future shortstop for the Royals made his MLB debut in the 2015 World Series, becoming the first ever player to do so. He was later called up during the 2016 season and slashed .185/.231/.281 with two home runs in 135 at bats.
Fans were shocked when Mondesi won the starting second base job out of spring training, but we all learned quickly that the youngster was not ready offensively to be in the big leagues. He slashed 0.95/.156/.167 in 42 at bats before being sent to Triple-A Omaha.
The reason Mondesi is included here is simple – He’s young and is one of the team’s top prospects. The Royals are more than likely going to part ways with Alcides Escobar this offseason and that leaves the door open for Mondesi to become the next shortstop of the future for the Kansas City Royals.
Even though Mondesi hasn’t looked great offensively, he’s only 21 years old and has plenty of time this season to try and figure things out at the plate. A 21 year old top prospect is surely going to grab an expansion team’s attention, so Mondesi has to be included on this list.